Question:
If a Minyan is not available—for example, due to scheduling constraints or lack of access to a shul—how can we properly name a baby? Does the naming have to take place specifically during Kerias HaTorah with a Minyan, or is there another valid way to do it?
Answer:
A baby may be named even without a Minyan or Kerias HaTorah. One can recite a Mi Shebeirach privately and state the child’s name. [Indeed, regarding boys, the primary naming takes place at the bris milah. This is true even if there are not ten people present, demonstrating that there is no intrinsic halachic requirement for a Minyan or Kerias Hatorah in order for the name to take effect.] However, it is preferable, when possible, to later have the name announced during Kerias HaTorah at a Minyan. One practical option is to prearrange with the gabbai for someone at the Minyan to recite the Mi Shebeirach with the baby’s name during leining, even if you are not physically present and are only listening remotely.
Explanation:
Although the common custom—especially for naming a baby girl—is to give the name during Kerias HaTorah with a Mi Shebeirach in the presence of a Minyan, this is not an absolute requirement. The halachic validity of naming a child does not depend on this formal setting. Even an individual may recite a Mi Shebeirach and declare the child’s name, and it is considered effective.
Furthermore, there is a concept that a name becomes more firmly established once it has been used consistently over a period of time, such as 30 days. This underscores that the primary factor is the usage of the name rather than the specific context in which it is initially declared.
That said, it remains preferable to associate the naming with a more formal setting when feasible. Therefore, one practical approach is to arrange for someone attending a Minyan to recite a Mi Shebeirach with the baby’s name at the next available Kerias HaTorah, such as on a weekday (e.g., Monday or Thursday).
Source:
See Derisha Y.D. 360:2; Mishmeres Shalom Kudinav 20:2; Nitei Gavriel 70:6-7 footnote 13 in length; Rama Y.D. 335:10; Get Pashut 129:93; Nodah Beyehuda E.H. 88; Chasam Sofer 2:33; Mabit 2:52; Minchas Yitzchak ibid; Nitei Gavriel ibid Shulchan Menachem 5:164